US Department of Labor’s OSHA forms alliance with consulate general of Dominican Republic in California and US Western Region on workers’ rights

Alliance will promote worker safety and health in California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii

SAN FRANCISCO  The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration today forged an alliance with the consulate general of the Dominican Republic in California and the U.S. Western Region to promote workplace safety and health standards for Dominican nationals and others in California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. The alliance was signed at the consulate general of the Dominican Republic in Glendale, Calif.

OSHA and the consulate will work jointly to provide information, guidance and access to education and training resources aimed at promoting workers' understanding of their rights in the workplace and the responsibilities of employers under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the OSHA complaint process. Members of the alliance will promote speaking engagements, forums and exhibits and appearances at each other's outreach events, including mobile consulate activities.

"Every worker has the right to a safe and healthful job, and to know and understand his rights in the workplace," said Ken Atha, OSHA's regional administrator in San Francisco. "This alliance is a tremendous opportunity to provide a large and varied community of workers in four states and employers with information that will enhance the quality of workplaces and well-being on the job."

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. Alliance Program participants do not receive exemptions from OSHA programmed inspections. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.